A selection of Mission Taco Joint tacos including fillings such as roasted duck and Baja fish.

Delmar gained a new late-night option with Mission Taco Joint(6235 Delmar Boulevard; 314-932-5430) thanks to Jason and Adam Tilford, the sibling super-force behind Milagro Modern Mexican, Tortillaria and Barrister's. According to the brothers, whose inspirations stem from frequent excursions to northern Mexico while growing up on the West Coast, Mission aims to meld together aspects of each of their prior concepts, packaged to cater to hungry showgoers and the overall nightlife of the Delmar Loop.

"It really is a mixture of all three," says Adam Tilford. "It combines Barrister's bar concept in which people can hang out and have fun, with the quality of food from Milagro and the casual atmosphere of Tortillaria."

Mabel Suen

Brothers and business partners Jason and Adam Tilford.

The social aspect of Mission's mission proved successful immediately upon Gut Check's first visit. On a weekday night during its first full week in business, we couldn't so much as approach the bar without launching into at least three separate friendly conversations with leisurely diners. After all, we all already shared a common interest -- tacos! Also spotted among the surprisingly packed house: about half of the RFT editorial staff already making Mission one if its regular post-work watering holes.